Scriptural Capital Campaign

Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. -- 2 Corinthians 9:7

FREEDOM TO SERVE GOD'S WILL

Holy Disciples launched our Scriptual Capital Campaign in the Fall of 2014 to help renew our parish spiritually, to use scripture-based principles to become better stewards, and to rid ourselves of a debt that weighed us down. A successful campaign will allow us to experience the "Freedom to Serve God's Will".

At the end of September 2014 Holy Disciples owed a hefty $3,114,852 on our mortgage plus $203,257 in back interest. Our monthly obligation to service that debt was about $25,000; $17,000 of that to cover current interest.

Multiple attempts were made to address the debt over the course of the years but none resulted in any decrease in the principle owed. This Campaign was initiated with the goal of significantly reducing the debt so that paying off the full amount would become managable, allowing us to move forward.

On November 20, 2015, Holy Disciples rejoiced together at a "One Year Celebration Event" at the church. During the first year of the campaign, nearly $1,000,000 had been contributed by parishioners toward our debt reduction. See the sidebar to view current status of the campaign results.

During November 2016, the parish reached out to new parishioners who came to the parish after the start of our campaign and invited them to join us for the final year. Several households accepted our offer and their gifts added $17,400 to the total amount pledged. We truly have reason to rejoice!

On November 18, 2017 we celebrated the end of our three-year Campaign during a parish-wide Final Celebration Event. Nonetheless, a number of parishioners continue to donate to the Debt Retirement Fund, even after having fulfilled their commitment. If you are among them, we are truly grateful for your faithfulness in support of your parish. You are a blessing to all of us!

BASIC PRINCIPLES OF THE CAMPAIGN

STEWARDSHIP The recognition that God owns all that we possess and that God will provide the resources each of us requires throughout our lives.

SACRIFICE Both in our attitude as we worship God as Provider and in the act of changing our priorities and lifestyle, we learn to sacrifice.

COMMITMENT We are challenged to purpose in our hearts the amount we should give and follow through by giving it faithfully.

INVOLVEMENT Working and giving together develops a deeper sense of belonging to our community. The involvement of each member of the parish helps renew our spirit and brings us closer as the Body of Christ.

EQUAL SACRIFICE, NOT EQUAL GIFTS

Stewardship is the recognition that God owns all that we possess. We are simply managers of what God has provided for our use. Though we cannot all give the same amount financially, everyone can give sacrificially. A sacrificial gift is one which changes your lifestyle, rearranges your priorities, and identifies something specific to give up for the sake of God's kingdom. Hence, another basic principle of this campaign is "Equal Sacrifice, Not Equal Gifts".

A PERSONAL SPIRITUAL STEWARDSHIP JOURNEY

This campaign asks every person in the parish to embark on a personal spiritual stewardship journey which has four elements:

Pray about what God would have you do to further the mission of Holy Disciples, specifically what amount would God have you give to the campaign and what would God have you give up to provide that gift ... pray until you hear an answer.

Consider if the amount of your gift is sacrificial, life-changing, and specific. If not, return to your prayer and listen again for God's answer.

As you pray, be willing to be obedient to God's will.

As you fulfill your gift, take joy in giving and serving the Lord.

Status of the Campaign Report

Check on the progress of the Campaign by reading our Monthly Newsletters: